Time To Think Ayurveda

- Amita Jain

From frankincense toothpaste and natural medicine cabinet to swapping coffee for turmeric milk and mouthwash for coconut oil pulling, the ancient medical science of Ayurveda is rapidly tapping into the everyday life of the 21st century.

Ayurveda as a career field has shifted, altered and gained in importance, as it rides on the growing interest wave across policy corridors and amidst consumers in India. Did you know the consumption of ayurvedic products constitutes for more than 41 percent of personal care market in India? “The time to pursue the study of Ayurvedic system of medicine has never been better. There is a positive environment for the subject across the country. Earlier wariness and suspicion of patients is rehabilitating into prompt adoption. The change in environment is well supported by government’s efforts of employing veterans with knowledge of Ayurveda who are readily pushing for increased interaction between modern and traditional system of medicine,” says Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Gupta, Medical Superintendent and HoD at All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Delhi.

Bridging the gap

Many states in India are looking up to Ayurvedic doctors to bridge the deficient doctor-patient ratio in the country and the government is investing in providing research grants for Ayurveda. “For a student with passion and interest for 5,000 years old ayurvedic system of medicine, the career opportunities are abound and the times to come will be better,” added Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Gupta.

About BAMS

BAMS is an undergraduate degree in Ayurvedic system of medicines which is recognized under ‘The Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970’. It is a 5.5 years course comprising 4.5 years of main study period and one-year of compulsory internship. Upon successful completion, BAMS graduates are conferred with the title of Doctor and Vaidya.